Jiaoxi Township, located in northern Yilan County, Taiwan, is a well-known hot spring destination and a vital transportation hub into northeastern Yilan. It borders Toucheng Township to the northeast, Zhuangwei Township to the southeast, Yilan City and Yuanshan Township to the south, and Wulai and Pinglin Districts of New Taipei City to the west and north.
The terrain of Jiaoxi features a west-high, east-low pattern. The northwestern area is part of the northern extension of the Snow Mountain Range, with several peaks over 1,000 meters, such as Dajiaoxi Mountain, Xiaojiaoxi Mountain, and Hongludi Mountain, offering excellent hiking and forest activities. The southeastern part is a section of the Lanyang Plain, formed by the alluvial deposits of the Erlong River, Yilan River, and Toucheng River, with fertile land supporting strong agricultural development. In the northeast, some areas even lie below sea level, creating unique marshland landscapes.
In terms of transportation, Jiaoxi serves as a key gateway from northern Taiwan into Yilan. The Taiwan Railways Yilan Line, National Freeway No. 5, and Provincial Highway No. 9 all pass through the township. The opening of Freeway No. 5 significantly shortened travel time from Taipei to Jiaoxi, making it far more convenient for tourists from western Taiwan.
Jiaoxi is most famous for its hot springs. The Jiaoxi Hot Springs are among Taiwan’s rare lowland hot springs. The water is classified as sodium bicarbonate spring, clear, colorless, and odorless, with a pH around 7 and an emergence temperature of about 58°C. Bathing in it leaves the skin smooth and non-sticky, while its rich mineral content—including sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and carbonate ions—makes it suitable not only for bathing but also for processing into mineral drinking water. It is believed to be beneficial to health. The local government hosts an annual Hot Spring Festival at the end of the year to promote the area’s hot spring culture. Facilities range from large resort hotels and inns to outdoor pools, attracting numerous visitors for relaxation and wellness.
Tourist attractions include a variety of natural landscapes and hiking trails. Wufengqi Waterfall, located in Dazhong Village, is a three-tiered waterfall on the upper reaches of the Deziko River, with trails and pavilions for close-up viewing. Houdongkeng Waterfall, on the border between Baiyun Village and Ercheng in Toucheng, is one of the “Eighteen Scenic Spots of Lanyang,” noted for its spectacular flow during the rainy season. Longtan Lake, located in Longtan Village, covers 17 hectares, making it the largest of Yilan’s five famous lakes. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, it has been designated the “Longtan Lake Scenic Area,” ideal for recreation and hiking.
In addition, Jiaoxi features several well-known hiking trails, such as the Paoma Historic Trail in Yushi and Baiyun Villages, the Shengmu Hiking Trail in Dazhong Village, and the Linmei Shihpan Trail in Linmei Village, allowing visitors to enjoy nature and experience the richness of the mountain forests.